It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here. Memorial Day is being celebrated today in the U.S. It’s a federal holiday to specifically remember, honor, and pay tribute to all of the military men and women who have died while fighting for this Country. Did you know that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day and specifically honored all of the Union soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War. By the 20th century it began including all American soldiers who had died during any of the wars, and became known as Memorial Day.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the Summer Season. Families usually get together and celebrate the day with big barbeques and fun in the sun. Many people head to the beaches or lakes for a day of relaxation and water sports. There’s usually a large fireworks display at night in most cities, small towns, and even backyards that erupt all over the nation.

I remember when I was a kid, we would head over to a relatives house in the countryside on Memorial Day, eat until our bellies almost popped and run around and play all day long. By the time night had fallen, we would start the evening out by roasting marshmallows in the bon fire and then make some yummy gooey chocolaty Smores. Later the parents would light off huge fireworks for what seemed like hours. It was so much fun. I have pictures of all us in our Raglan T-shirts with pink faces and huge smiles. I really miss those days and those shirts! I welcome summer with open arms, and look forward to all of the adventures that await me.